INDIANA QMA EXAM LATEST ACTUAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to Indiana state regulations, a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) is prohibited
from which of the following tasks?
A. Administering oral medications.
B. Applying a physician-ordered topical medication.
C. Taking a telephone order from a physician.
D. Administering an initial dose of a newly ordered medication.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A QMA may not take a verbal or telephone order from a
physician; this must be done by a licensed nurse.
2. When a resident is prescribed Digoxin (Lanoxin), the QMA must check which vital sign
before administration?
A. Apical pulse for one full minute.
B. Respiratory rate.
C. Blood pressure.
D. Radial pulse for 30 seconds.
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin slows the heart rate; the apical pulse must be checked
for 60 seconds and the drug held if the rate is below 60 bpm unless otherwise ordered.
3. A resident is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. Which of the following is the most
likely symptom?
A. Wheezing and swelling of the throat.
B. Increased appetite and thirst.
C. Slow, shallow breathing.
D. Constipation and urinary retention.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction characterized by
respiratory distress, swelling, and hypotension.
4. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a QMA regarding PRN medications?
A. Administering the medication only after a licensed nurse has authorized it.
B. Assessing the resident to determine if the medication is needed.
C. Writing the initial order for the PRN medication.
D. Deciding to change the dosage based on the resident’s weight.
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: In Indiana, a QMA must have a licensed nurse’s assessment and
authorization before administering any PRN medication.
5. What is the ‘First-Pass Effect’ in pharmacology?
A. The time it takes for a drug to reach the kidneys.
B. The metabolism of a drug by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation.
C. The rapid uptake of a drug by the lungs.
D. The initial excretion of the drug through sweat.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when the concentration of a drug is
greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation due to liver metabolism.
6. A resident is taking Warfarin (Coumadin). What should the QMA closely monitor for?
A. Signs of excessive bruising or bleeding.
B. Significant weight gain.
C. Increased blood glucose levels.
D. Dry cough and congestion.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin is an anticoagulant; monitoring for bleeding gums,
nosebleeds, or unusual bruising is critical.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to Indiana state regulations, a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) is prohibited
from which of the following tasks?
A. Administering oral medications.
B. Applying a physician-ordered topical medication.
C. Taking a telephone order from a physician.
D. Administering an initial dose of a newly ordered medication.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A QMA may not take a verbal or telephone order from a
physician; this must be done by a licensed nurse.
2. When a resident is prescribed Digoxin (Lanoxin), the QMA must check which vital sign
before administration?
A. Apical pulse for one full minute.
B. Respiratory rate.
C. Blood pressure.
D. Radial pulse for 30 seconds.
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Digoxin slows the heart rate; the apical pulse must be checked
for 60 seconds and the drug held if the rate is below 60 bpm unless otherwise ordered.
3. A resident is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. Which of the following is the most
likely symptom?
A. Wheezing and swelling of the throat.
B. Increased appetite and thirst.
C. Slow, shallow breathing.
D. Constipation and urinary retention.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction characterized by
respiratory distress, swelling, and hypotension.
4. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a QMA regarding PRN medications?
A. Administering the medication only after a licensed nurse has authorized it.
B. Assessing the resident to determine if the medication is needed.
C. Writing the initial order for the PRN medication.
D. Deciding to change the dosage based on the resident’s weight.
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: In Indiana, a QMA must have a licensed nurse’s assessment and
authorization before administering any PRN medication.
5. What is the ‘First-Pass Effect’ in pharmacology?
A. The time it takes for a drug to reach the kidneys.
B. The metabolism of a drug by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation.
C. The rapid uptake of a drug by the lungs.
D. The initial excretion of the drug through sweat.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The first-pass effect occurs when the concentration of a drug is
greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation due to liver metabolism.
6. A resident is taking Warfarin (Coumadin). What should the QMA closely monitor for?
A. Signs of excessive bruising or bleeding.
B. Significant weight gain.
C. Increased blood glucose levels.
D. Dry cough and congestion.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Warfarin is an anticoagulant; monitoring for bleeding gums,
nosebleeds, or unusual bruising is critical.
